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Cost effectiveness of the multichannel cochlear implant
J R Wyatt1, J K Niparko, M L Rothman
1John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Otolarynology--Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
The American Journal of Otology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Cochlear implantation is cost-effective, costing approximately $15,600 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). This finding supports its value compared to other accepted medical interventions for third-party payors.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Technology Assessment
Background:
- Third-party payors' funding of cochlear implantation varies, with cost-effectiveness data often cited as a concern.
- Cost-utility analysis is a standard method for comparing the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for cochlear implantation.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of cochlear implants for third-party payors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized clinical cost data and a health-utility outcome model based on communication gains.
- Calculated the cost per QALY for cochlear implantation.
- Performed sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of the findings.
Main Results:
- Cochlear implantation costs approximately $15,600 per QALY.
- This cost falls favorably within the range of other accepted medical interventions like coronary artery bypass grafting and cardiac transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation is a cost-effective medical intervention.
- The cost-effectiveness of cochlear implants supports their inclusion in third-party payor coverage decisions.